Castellammare del Golfo

Castellammare del Golfo is a town in Trapani Province of Sicily.

Understand
Castellammare del Golfo rises at the foot of Mount Inici and gives the name to the homonymous gulf, stretching from capo Rama (on the east) as far as capo San Vito (on the west). Castellammare began as Emporium Segestanorum (the port of the near Segesta). The word empòrion in the ancient Mediterranean denoted a harbour used for the unloading, storing and selling of goods, and until the Arabs’ arrival its history identifies with that of Segesta. The naming “castrum ad mare de gulfo” dates back to the early years of the second millennium, when Castellammare became an important fortress, first of the Normans and later of the Swabians.

When to go
As Castellammare is a sea and tourist resort, the ideal season for having a holiday there is summer. However, thanks to its mild climate, in March you can already profit a vacation under the hot sun of Sicily. Until October you will certainly enjoy beautiful and warm days.

By train
Regular train from Trapani and Palermo, the station is about 3 km from the centre.

By car

 * A29 Motorway Palermo-Mazara del Vallo: exit Castellammare del Golfo
 * National Road (S.S.) 187 km. 42.00

By bus
Regular bus from Palermo, 5 per day excluding Sunday which is not so frequent and Trapani, 2 per day. Russo also has buses leaving for Scopello 5 times a day.

By plane
Look for flights to Palermo or Trapani(Birgi). You can find low cost flights, e.g. Ryanair, then you can rent a car to get Castellammare del Golfo.
 * Airport Palermo Punta Raisi “Falcone e Borsellino” about 50 km far from it. Phone +39 091 591414,+39 091 591400
 * Aereoporto Trapani Birgi “Vincenzo Florio” about 60 km far from it. Phone +39 0923 841130, +39 0923 842502

Get around
You can reach Castellammare through the National Road (S.S.) 187 both from Palermo and Trapani. If you come from Palermo (going through Alcamo Marina and the railway station of Castellammare) you soon enter the town and meet Largo Petrolo with its wonderful view on the Gulf. From here you can go to the centre (on the left) or to the port and the Castle (turning right). If you decide to go to the town centre, it is very easy by going on foot: the Civic Gardens, the Town Hall, the Theatre and Arena delle Rose are at about 500 m. If you come from Trapani, through the same road, after the junctions for San Vito and Scopello you can enter the town trough via Crispi or via Segesta. The main lines of march are three: corso Garibaldi, (which you can enter from via Crispi or via Segesta) will lead you to the town centre. Via Marconi will lead you outside the town, towards the beaches of Playa and Alcamo Marina, and finally via Petrazzi and via Roma, which starting from the port or the gardens (through via Roma), will lead you to the National Road 187 for all destinations and the A29 Motorway.

Events and festivals




Go next

 * The Faraglioni of Scopello
 * Natural Reserve of Zingaro
 * Segesta
 * Erice
 * Alcamo Marina
 * Calatafimi Segesta